Locking connector assembly

ABSTRACT

A locking connector assembly is configured to securely connect a first component to a second component. The locking connector assembly may include a female connector having first and second female ends and a longitudinal passage defined therebetween, and a male connector having first and second male ends. Either of the first or second male ends may be configured to mate with the female connector at either the first or second female ends in order to securely connect the male connector to the female connector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/587,751 entitled “Locking BuckleAssembly,” filed Jan. 18, 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a connectorassembly, and, more particularly, to a locking connector assembly suchas a locking buckle or pipe lock assembly configured to securely connectseparate and distinct components together.

BACKGROUND

Various components are connected together through connectors, such asbuckles. For example, one component may include a male buckle member,while another component may include a female buckle member. The malebuckle and female buckle members may be connected together in order tosecurely connect the two components together. The male and female bucklemembers may be manipulated in order to disconnect the female and malebuckle members. Accordingly, the two components may be selectivelyconnected and disconnected from one another through the male and femalebuckle members.

However, in various situations, the female and male buckle members maybe inadvertently disconnected from one another. For example, theconnection interface between the buckle members may not be robust enoughto withstand forces of a certain magnitude, such as when dropped.

Additionally, many assemblies may be difficult to disconnect. Forexample, many assemblies may require fine motor skills to disconnect oneconnecting member from another. As such, the assemblies may be difficultto manipulate by certain individuals.

Further, typical assemblies are configured to mate in a particulardirection. However, a user may find it difficult to securely connectparts of an assembly when one or both connecting parts of an assemblyare secured to one or more components in particular orientations.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lockingconnector assembly configured to securely connect a first component to asecond component. The locking connector assembly may include a femaleconnector having first and second female ends and a longitudinal passagedefined therebetween, and a male connector having first and second maleends. Either of the first or second male ends is configured to mate withthe female connector at either the first or second female ends in orderto securely connect the male connector to the female connector.

In an embodiment, the female connector may include a longitudinalpassage having a tab operatively connected to a male-engaging member.The male connector may include a female-engaging member configured to beslid into the longitudinal passage and retained in a connected state.The male connector may also include a recessed area configured toreceive and retain the male-engaging member in the connected state. Thetab may be configured to be manipulated to disengage the male engagingmember from the recessed area in order to disconnect the male connectorfrom the female connector. The tab may also include an overstopprotuberance configured to abut into a portion of the female connectorto limit movement of the tab.

The male-engaging member of the female connector may also includelateral walls and the female-engaging member of the male connector mayinclude insert members separated by the recessed area. The lateral wallsmay be configured to be securely retained between the insert members inthe connected state. The male engaging member may also include aprotuberance, and the female-engaging member may also include areciprocal ridge. The protuberance securely abuts into the reciprocalridge in the connected state.

Each of the insert members may include a D-shaped axial cross-section.The longitudinal passage may include a reciprocal axial cross-sectionthat conforms to the D-shaped axial cross-section.

One or both of the male and female connectors may include aweb-retaining plate having at least one channel configured to receiveand retain a web member. The channel(s) may be surrounded by a raisedrim that provides structural support around the channel(s).Additionally, the female connector may include one or more strengtheningribs.

One of the male or female connectors may include securing portions andthe other of the male or female connectors may include undercutportions. The securing portions may be configured to securely mate intothe undercut portions in the connected state.

In an embodiment, the female connector defines a longitudinal passage.The male connector may include a female-engaging member configured to beslidably retained within the longitudinal passage. The male connectormay include lead-in noses at the first and second male ends. Each of thelead-in noses may include a rearwardly-directed deflectable beamconfigured to be manipulated to disconnect the male connector from thefemale connector.

The rearwardly-directed deflectable beam may include a distal end thatabuts an internal edge of the female connector when the male connectoris connected to the female connector. The distal end may be configuredto be urged in a direction that allows the rearwardly-directeddeflectable beam to be slid into the longitudinal passage.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lockingconnector assembly that may include a first connection member having afirst housing, a second connection member having a second housing, and asecuring member configured to slidably pass into at least one of thefirst and second connection members. The securing member may beconfigured to securely connect the first connection member to the secondconnection member in a connected state. The securing member may includeat least one end configured to be manipulated in order to disconnect thefirst connection member from the second connection member.

In an embodiment, the securing member may be separate and distinct fromthe first and second connection members. The securing member may includeat least one end having at least one securing post separated from atleast one stabilizing post. The barb(s) extends from the securingpost(s). The stabilizing post(s) and the securing post(s) are configuredto be squeezed together in order to disconnect the first connectionmember from the second connection member.

In an embodiment, the securing member may include a longitudinal beamwith a central collar extending around a middle of the longitudinalbeam. A first securing post and a first stabilizing post may extend froma first end of the longitudinal beam. A second securing post and asecond stabilizing post may extend from a second end of the longitudinalbeam.

Each of the first and second housings may include an inner openingconnected to an outer reduced-diameter opening by a longitudinalpassage.

The securing member may be integrally formed with the second connectionmember. The securing member may include a base connected to a planarbeam longitudinally extending from the second housing. The planar beamconnects to a securing prong configured to securely connect the firstconnection member to the second connection member. The planar beam maybe deflectable in order to allow the first connection member to bedisconnected from the second connection member. In an embodiment, thebase may be configured to rotate within a longitudinal passage of thefirst housing. In another embodiment, the base may be prevented fromrotating within the longitudinal passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assemblyin a disconnected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a female connector, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of a male connector, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assemblyin a connected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric front view of a female connector,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric end view of retaining arms of a femaleconnector securely retaining a female-engaging member of a maleconnector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assemblyin a connected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assemblyin a partially disconnected state, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assemblyin a disconnected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connectorassembly in a connected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thedisclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assembly10 in a disconnected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The locking connector assembly 10 includes a first or femaleconnector 12 configured to mate with a second or male connector 14. Thefemale and male connectors 12 and 14 may be buckle members and/or pipelock members, for example. The female connector 12 has opposite ends 11and 13. The male connector 14 has opposite ends 15 and 17. The maleconnector 14 is configured to securely mate with the female connector 12such that either the end 15 or 17 may mate into either end 11 or 13.

Each of the female connector 12 and the male connector 14 may beintegrally molded and formed as a single unit. For example, each of thefemale and male connectors 12 and 14 may be formed of a resilientmaterial, such as injection-molded plastic.

The female connector 12 includes a main body 16 having opposed retainingarms 18 a and 18 b extending from a web-retaining plate 21. Eachretaining arm 18 a and 18 b may be or include a clamp, prong, wall, orthe like. A longitudinal passage 20 is defined between the opposedretaining arms 18 a and 18 b.

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of the female connector 12. Eachretaining arm 18 a and 18 b includes a base 22 that connects to theweb-retaining plate 21. The bases 22 separate from one another about acentral lateral axis 24 of the female connector 12. Each base 22connects to an extension beam 26, which, in turn, connects to aretaining beam 28. A gap 30 is defined between free ends 32 of theretaining beams 28. The opposed retaining arms 18 a and 18 b may beconfigured to flex toward and away from one another about the bases 22.

Each retaining arm 18 a and 18 b includes curved, arcuate interior basesurfaces 34 that integrally connect to linear extension surfaces 36. Thelinear extension surfaces 36, in turn, connect to linear retainingsurfaces 38. The linear retaining surfaces 38 and the linear extensionsurfaces 36 may generally be perpendicular with one another.Accordingly, as shown, the longitudinal passage 20 may be defined by aD-shaped axial cross-section. Optionally, the retaining arms 18 a and 18b may be sized and shaped differently, thereby defining a longitudinalpassage 20 having other axial cross-sections, such as circular, square,rectangular, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the female connector 12 also includes acentral tab 40 positioned on the retaining arm 18 a. Optionally, the tab40 may be positioned on the retaining arm 18 b. Alternatively, both theretaining arms 18 a and 18 b may include a tab.

The central tab 40 extends outwardly from the retaining arm 18 a andincludes a connection beam 42 that connects to the web-retaining plate21. The connection beam 42, in turn, connects to a male-engaging member44, such as block and/or a locking tooth, barb, or other suchprotuberance. The male-engaging member 44 is configured to securelyengage reciprocal features of the male connector 14. A planar pull beam46 outwardly extends from the male-engaging member 42. The pull beam 46extends linearly past an outer surface of the retaining arm 18 a, and isgenerally parallel with the lateral axis 24. The pull beam 46 isconfigured to be pulled upwardly in the direction of arc A and pivotupwardly to move the male-engaging member 42 in a similar path.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tab 40 is generally centered about a midpoint ofthe retaining arm 18 a. However, the tab 40 may be positioned at variousother points along the retaining arm 18 a.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the web-retaining plate 21 may be a generallyplanar, plate-like member having one or more channels 50 formedtherethrough. The channels 50 may be parallel to the longitudinalpassage 20. The channels 50 may be configured to receive and slidablyretain web members, such as straps, ribbons, belts, or the like, thatare configured to secure the female connector 12 to a component, such asa backpack, bag, structural feature, such as a door, or various othercomponents. Alternatively, the web-retaining plate 21 may not includechannels 50. Instead, the web-retaining plate 21 may be a planar panelconfigured to be secured to a component. For example, the planar panelmay be secured to a component through fasteners, adhesives, or the like.

The male connector 14 includes a main body 60 including afemale-engaging member 62, such as a beam, column, pipe, or the like,integrally connected to a web-retaining plate 64. The male connector 14may be a longitudinal beam, pipe, shaft, or the like that is configuredto be inserted and secured within the longitudinal passage 20 of thefemale connector 12.

The male connector 14 includes longitudinally aligned insert members 66separated by a recessed area 68, such as a planar surface. The recessedarea 68 is configured to be engaged by the male-engaging member 42(shown in FIG. 2) of the female connector 12. The insert members 66 aresized and shaped to conform to the shape of the longitudinal passage 20(shown in FIG. 2, for example) of the female connector 12. The insertmembers 66 may be tubular, partially tubular, D-shaped, circular, or thelike.

Each insert member 66 includes a lead-in nose 70 at a terminal end 72.Each lead-in nose 70 may be beveled, sloped, rounded, or the like.Internal ends 74 of the insert members 66 may be blunted and straight.The beveled lead-in noses 70 allow the insert members 66 to be easilyinserted into the female connector 12. The beveled lead-in noses 70 areconfigured to automatically center and align the female-engaging member62 within the longitudinal passage 20 of the female connector 12.

Similar to the female connector 12, the web-retaining plate 64 of themale connector 14 may be a generally planar plate-like member having oneor more channels 76 formed therethrough. The channels 76 may be parallelto the female-engaging member 62. The channels 76 are configured toreceive and slidably retain web members, such as straps, ribbons, belts,or the like, that are configured to secure the male connector 14 to acomponent, such as a backpack, bag, or various other components.Alternatively, the web-retaining plate 64 may not include channels 76.Instead, the web-retaining plate 64 may be a planar sheet configured tobe secured to component. For example, the planar sheet may be secured toa component through fasteners, adhesives, or the like.

Raised rims 77 may surround each channel 76. The rims 77 add strength tothe areas of the web-retaining plate 64 that define the channels 76, aswell as the web-retaining plate 64. The rims 77 protect theweb-retaining plate 64 from cracking under exerted pressure from webmembers. While not shown, the web-retaining plate 21 of the femaleconnector 12 may also include raised rims about the web channels 50.

Recesses 78, such as grooves, cavities, divots, or the like, may beformed through each insert member 66. The recesses 78 decrease theamount of material used for the male connector 14, thereby reducingweight. The recesses 78 may be smaller or larger than shown in FIG. 1.Additionally, more or less recesses 78 may be formed through the insertmembers 66.

FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the male connector 14, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, each insert member 66includes a generally arcuate outer surface 80 that integrally connectsto generally linear top and bottom surfaces 82 and 84, respectively. Thetop and bottom surfaces 82 and 84, in turn, integrally connect to linearinner surfaces 86 and 88, respectively, which are generallyperpendicular to the linear top and bottom surfaces 82 and 84. As shown,the insert members 66 may include a generally D-shaped cross-sectionthat is configured to be received and retained within the longitudinalpassage 20 of the female connector 12 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Theinsert members 66 may be shaped and sized to conform to the shape of thelongitudinal passage 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in order to connect the male connector 14 to thefemale connector 12, a lead-in nose 70 of one of the insert members 66is longitudinally and axially aligned with the longitudinal passage 20of the female connector 12. After being aligned, the lead-in nose 70 isurged into the longitudinal passage 20 in the direction of arrow B(shown in FIG. 1). As the insert member 66 passes into the longitudinalpassage 20, the interior base surfaces 34, the linear extension surfaces36, and the linear retaining surfaces 38 of the female connector 12slide and conform over the arcuate outer surface 80, linear surfaces 82,84, and linear inner surfaces 86, 88, respectively, of the maleconnector 14. As the insert member 66 continues to be urged into thelongitudinal passage 20 in the direction of arrow B, the insert member66 encounters the male-engaging member 44. With increased urging in thedirection of arrow B, the insert member 66 deflects the male-engagingmember 44 upwardly in the direction of arc A (shown in FIG. 2). Notably,a user does not need to pull upward on the pull beam 46 during theconnection process, as the insert member 66 automatically deflects themale-engaging member 44 upward.

The male-engaging member 44 continues to be upwardly deflected as theleading insert member 66 continues to slide under the male-engagingmember 44. Once the male connector 14 is urged into the direction ofarrow B (shown in FIG. 1) such that the recessed area 68 is completelyunder the male-engaging member 44, the male-engaging member 44 flexesback down in the direction of arc A′ (shown in FIG. 2) to its at-restposition. In this position, lateral walls 90 of the male-engaging member44 are trapped between the blunted internal ends 74 of the insertmembers 66. Further, a protuberance 92 (shown in FIG. 2), such as alatching beam, ridge, ledge, or the like, of the female connector 12 maysecurely abut into a reciprocal ridge 94 of the recessed area 68. Assuch, the male-engaging member 44 securely locks the male connector 14to the female connector 12. Because the male-engaging member 44 istrapped between the blunted internal ends 74 of the insert member 66,the male connector 14 is prevented from axially shifting in thedirections of arrows B and B′ with respect to the female connector 12.Further, because the distal protuberance 92 of the male-engaging member44 securely latches to the reciprocal ridge 94 of the recessed area 68,the male connector 14 is prevented from ejecting through the gap 30between the retaining beams 28 (shown in FIG. 2) of the female connector12. Additionally, the retaining beams 28 abut the insert members 66 andensure that the male connector 14 does not eject from the femaleconnector 12.

The male connector 14 may be inserted into the longitudinal passage 20of the female connector 12 from either end 11 or 13. Additionally,either end 15 or 17 of the male connector 14 may be inserted into eitherend 11 or 13 of the female connector 12. Accordingly, the female andmale connectors 12 and 14 may connect (and disconnect) in abi-directional fashion. Because the female and male connectors 12 and 14may connect to each other in a bi-directional fashion, a user mayquickly and easily connect the female and male connectors 12 and 14together as the connection does not occur in just one direction andorientation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric top view of the locking connectorassembly 10 in a connected state, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The D-shaped interface between the female-engagingmember 62 of the male connector 14 and the retaining arms 18 a and 18 bof the female connector 12 cooperate to prevent the male buckle member14 from rotating within the longitudinal channel 20 of the femaleconnector 12. For example, the linear interfaces between thefemale-engaging member 62 and the retaining arms 18 a and 18 b preventthe female-engaging member 62 from rotating within the longitudinalpassage 20. In order to disconnect the male connector 14 from the femaleconnector 12, a user pulls up on the pull beam 46 in the direction ofarc A. As shown, the direction of pull in the direction of arc A maygenerally be radial with respect to the axial cross section of thelongitudinal passage 20. With increased urging in the direction of arcA, the male-engaging member 44 disengages from the blunted internal ends74 of the insert member 66, and the distal protuberance 92 of themale-engaging member 44 disengages from the reciprocal ridge 94 of therecessed area 68. With the pull beam 46 remaining in the upward, pivotedstate, the male connector 14 may then be slid out of the femaleconnector 12 in either direction denoted by arrows B or B′.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric front view of the female connector 12.The female connector 12 may also include one or more strengthening ribs100 that surround a portion of the retaining arms 18 a or 18 b. As shownin FIG. 5, each strengthening rib 100 may generally surround an arcuateportion of the retaining arm 18 a or 18 b. The strengthening ribs 100may reside in planes that are generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal passage 20. The strengthening ribs 100 strengthen theretaining arms 18 a and 18 b. The strengthening ribs 100 prevent themale connector 14 from overly separating the retaining arms 18 a and 18b, and thereby prevent the male connector 14 from ejecting from thefemale connector 12 in the direction of arrow C. More or lessstrengthening ribs 100 than those shown may be used. For example, astrengthening layer may be positioned over an entire surface of theretaining arms 18 a and 18 b.

The pull beam 46 may also include a hole 102 formed near a distal end104. The hole 102 is configured to receive a cord that may be used topull the pull tab 46. Additionally, an underside 106 of the pull tab 46may include a recessed area 108 that may be ergonomically configured toreceive a thumb or finger of a user, so that the user may comfortablyengage the pull beam 46. The pull tab 46 may also include a slot 105formed therethrough. The slot 105 may also be configured to receive apull cord, for example.

Additionally, an overstop protuberance 110, such as a crossbeam, one ormore tabs, or the like, may extend cross-wise underneath the pull tab46. The overstop protuberance 110 may include lateral stops 112, such astabs or end portions, which extend laterally outward from the pull beam46. The lateral stops 112 are positioned underneath wall portions of theretaining arm 18 a, such as underneath a portion of ribs 100. Thus, whenthe pull beam 46 is upwardly pulled, the lateral stops 112 abut into theportions of the ribs 100, which prevent the lateral stops 112, andtherefore the pull tab 46, from further upward movement. The interactionbetween the lateral stops 112 and the portions of the ribs 100 preventthe pull tab 46 from being moved past a breaking point. Thus, the pullbeam 46 is protected from being snapped or otherwise damaged.

The overstop protuberance 110 may be a linear beam that spans across theunderside of the pull beam 46. Alternatively, the overstop protuberance110 may include separate and distinct tabs extending laterally outwardfrom the underside and/or lateral surfaces of the pull beam 46. More orless overstop protuberances 110 than shown may be used.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric end view of retaining arms 200 a and 200b of a female connector 202 securely retaining a female-engaging member204 of a male connector 206, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The female and male connectors 202 and 206 are similar tothose described above, except that linear extension surfaces 208 of eachretaining arm 200 a, 200 b include securing portions 210, such as hooks,teeth, barbs, or the like, extending from distal ends 212. The securingportions 210 are configured to be received in reciprocal undercutchannels 214 formed through inner surfaces 216 of the male connector206. The securing portions 210 are configured to securely mate with theundercut channels 214 in order to provide a secure, robust connectionbetween the retaining arms 200 a, 200 b and the female-engaging member204.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assembly300 in a connected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The assembly 300 includes a female connector 302 configuredto receive a male connector 304. The male connector 304 includes afemale-engaging member 306 having a lead-in nose 308 at either end 310.Each lead-in nose 308 is connected to a rearwardly-directed deflectionbeam 312 that is directed back away from a longitudinal axis of thefemale-engaging member and toward an interior edge 314 of the femaleconnector 302. Each deflection beam 312 includes a distal end 316 thatis disposed above a longitudinal passage 318 of the female connector302. As such, in the connected state, the distal ends 316 abut into theinterior edges 314, thereby preventing the male connector 304 fromaxially shifting with respect to the female connector 302 in thedirections of arrows 330 or 332.

In order to disconnect the male connector 304 from the female connector302, one or both of the deflection beams 312 is pushed, squeezed,compressed, or the like, in the direction of arrows 330 or 332. When thedeflection beam(s) 312 is pushed, squeezed, compressed, or otherwisemoved toward the longitudinal axis of the female-engaging member 306,the deflection beam(s) 312 is able to fit within the longitudinalpassage 318, and is pushed or pulled into the longitudinal passage 318.The male connector 304 is then slid out of the female connector 302.

In order to secure the male connector 304 to the female connector 302,one of the lead-in noses 308 is aligned with the longitudinal passage318 and urged therein. As the lead-in nose 308 is urged inward, thewalls defining the longitudinal passage 318 bend the deflection beam 312down, so that the female-engaging member 306 may be slid therein. Oncethe deflection beam 312 exits the longitudinal passage 318 on the otherside of the female connector 302, the deflection beam 312 deflects backto its at-rest position, in which it is unable to pass into thelongitudinal passage 318. Accordingly, the opposed deflection beams 312ensure that the male connector 304 is secured to the female connector302.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assembly400 in a partially disconnected state, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The assembly 400 includes opposed connection members402, such as first and second connection members, and a securing member404 that is configured to securely connect the connection members 402together.

Each connection member 402 includes a retaining housing 406 connected toa web-retaining plate 408. The retaining housing 406 may be disposed atan end of the web-retaining plate 408 (or a planar sheet or panel).Optionally, the retaining housing 406 may generally connect to a centralregion of the web-retaining plate 408.

The retaining housing 406 may be a cylindrical housing having an opening410 formed through an inner end 412. The opening 410 connects to areduced-diameter opening 414 at an opposite end 416. The openings 410and 414 connect to one another through an internal longitudinal passage(hidden from view). Strengthening ribs 418 may surround portions of theretaining housing 406.

The securing member 404 includes a longitudinal beam 420 with a centralcollar 422 positioned around a center of the beam 420. Securing posts424 and stabilizing posts 426 longitudinally extend from each end of thesecuring member 404. A longitudinal space 428 is defined betweeninterior surfaces of each securing post 424 and each stabilizing post426. A rearwardly-directed barb 430 extends from each securing post 424.

In order to connect the opposed connection members 402 together, an endof the securing member 404 is urged into one of the openings 410. As thesecuring member 404 is urged into the opening 410, the securing post 424and stabilizing post 426 deflect toward one another into thelongitudinal space 428. As such, the securing post 424 and thestabilizing post 426 pass through the longitudinal passage of theretaining housing 406. The securing member 404 continues to be urgedinto the retaining housing 406 until the central collar 422 abuts intothe inner end 412 that defines the opening 410. Because the centralcollar 422 has a larger diameter than the opening 410, the centralcollar 422 is unable to pass into the opening 410. At this time, thesecuring post 424 and the stabilizing post 426 pass out of the opening414 and spring back to their at-rest positions. As such, the at-restrearwardly-directed barb 430 provides a distance between the barb 430and the stabilizing post 426 that is greater than the opening 414. If anattempt is made to move the securing member 404 inwardly into theopening 414, such as in the linear direction 440, the barb 430 catcheson the edge 431, for example, of the retaining housing 406, therebypreventing the securing member 404 from moving into the opening 414.

After the securing member 404 is secured to one of the retaininghousings 406, the other retaining housing 406 is secured to the otherend of the securing member 404 in a similar fashion. Accordingly, theconnection members 402 are securely connected to one another through theseparate and distinct securing member 404.

In order to disconnect the connection members 402 from one another, auser squeezes, pinches, or otherwise deflects the exposed securing post426 downwardly toward an interior of the opening 414 so that the barb430 may be able to pass into the opening 414. During this movement, theuser pulls on the opposite connection member 402 to pull the securingmember 404 out of the other connection member 402, leaving a connectionmember 402 with about half of the securing member 404 extendingtherefrom. The securing member 404 may then be removed from theremaining connection member 402 by squeezing, pinching, or otherwisedeflecting the securing post 426 extending through the opening 414, asnoted above, and then pulling on the exposed half of the securing member404 to pull the securing member 404 out of the retaining housing 406.

Optionally, the securing member 404 may be integrally and permanentlysecured to, or an integrally molded and formed part of, one of theconnection members 402. For example, one of the retaining housings 406may simply include a beam having a securing post and a stabilizing postextending longitudinally therefrom. Thus, instead of three pieces, thelocking connector assembly 400 may include two pieces.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric top view of a locking connector assembly500 in a disconnected state, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The assembly 500 includes a first or female connector 502and a second or male connector 504. The female connector 502 and maleconnector 504 may connect and cooperate to form a hinge, for example.

The female connector 502 includes a retaining plate 506 connected to areceiving housing 508. The retaining plate 506 may be a flat plateconfigured to be secured to a component. For example, the retainingplate 506 may be secured to a component through fasteners, such asscrews, bolts, or the like, or adhesives. Optionally, the retainingplate 506 may be sewn to an article. Alternatively, the retaining plate506 may be a web-retaining plate, as shown and described with respect toFIG. 1, for example. The receiving housing 508 includes a generallycylindrical main body 510 defining a longitudinal passage 512 formedtherethrough.

The male connector 504 includes a retaining plate 514 connected to amale support housing 516. The retaining plate 514 may be a flat plateconfigured to be secured to a component. For example, the retainingplate 514 may be secured to a component through fasteners, such asscrews, bolts, or the like, or adhesives. Optionally, the retainingplate 514 may be sewn to an article. Alternatively, the retaining plate514 may be a web-retaining plate, as shown and described with respect toFIG. 1.

The male support housing 516 includes a main body 518 having a securingmember 520 extending longitudinally from an internal end thereof. Thesecuring member 520 may be integrally molded and formed with the malesupport housing 516. Alternatively, the male support housing 516 may beseparately formed from the male support housing 516 and secured within acavity formed in the main body 518.

The securing member 520 may include a base 522 sized and shaped toconform to the size and shape of the longitudinal passage 512. The base522 may be cylindrical and the longitudinal passage 512 may form acylindrical passage. In this manner, the base 522 may rotate within thelongitudinal passage 512 (such as if used as a hinge). A planar beam 526extends longitudinally outward from the base 522. A securing prong 528is formed at a distal end 530 of the beam 526. The securing prong 528includes a linear edge 532 that is generally longitudinally aligned andflush with the planar beam 526. The linear edge 532 connects to a lineartip 534, which may be perpendicular to the linear edge 532. The lineartip 534, in turn, connects to an outwardly-ramped surface 536, which, inturn, connects to a straight edge 538 that connects back to the planarbeam 526. The straight edge 538 may be generally parallel with thelinear tip 534 and perpendicular to the planar beam 526. In order toconnect the male connector 504 to the female connector 502, the securingmember 520 is longitudinally and axially aligned with the longitudinalpassage 512. The male connector 504 is then urged toward the femaleconnector 502 in the direction of arrow 550.

As the securing member 520 is urged into the longitudinal passage 512 inthe direction of arrow 550, the ramped surface 536 slides under the edgeof the housing 508 that defines an opening that connects to thelongitudinal passage 512. The male connector 504 continues to be urgedin the direction of 550, such that the securing prong 528 slides throughthe housing 508 within the longitudinal passage 512. As the securingprong 528 exits the opening, the base 522 secures within thelongitudinal passage 512 and forces the straight edge 538 to hook overan edge 562 of the housing 508, thereby securely connecting the maleconnector 504 to the female connector 502.

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric top view of the locking connectorassembly 500 in a connected state, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In order to disconnect the female connector 502 fromthe male connector 504, the securing prong 528 is urged in the directionof arrow 570, toward the opening 560. The securing member 520 may beformed of a flexible material (such as plastic, rubber, or the like)that allows the planar beam 526 to pivot about a junction with the base522. Accordingly, the planar beam 526 pivots when the securing prong 528is urged in the direction of 570, which disengages the straight edge 538from the edge 562. Once the straight edge 538 clears the edge 562, thestraight edge 538 and the rest of the securing prong 528 may be movedinto the opening 560 and the longitudinal passage 512. Thus, thesecuring member 520 may be slid out of the longitudinal passage 512 inthe direction of arrow 570, and the male connector 504 may bedisconnected from the female connector 502.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, embodiments of the present disclosure providelocking connector assemblies having high strength-to-weight ratios.Embodiments of the present disclosure provide locking connectorassemblies that are easy to assemble, connect, and disconnect.Embodiments of the present disclosure provide locking connectorassemblies that do not require fine motor skills to manipulate andoperate. Indeed, embodiments of the present disclosure provide lockingconnector assemblies that may be easily manipulated and operated by auser, even if the user is wearing gloves.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood thatsuch terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosedand defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or moreof the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/ordrawings. All of these different combinations constitute variousalternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments describedherein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure andwill enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. Theclaims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A locking connector assembly configured to securely connect a firstcomponent to a second component, the locking connector assemblycomprising: a female connector having first and second female ends and alongitudinal passage defined therebetween; and a male connector havingfirst and second male ends, wherein either of the first or second maleends is configured to mate with the female connector at either the firstor second female ends in order to securely connect the male connector tothe female connector.
 2. The locking connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the female connector comprises a longitudinal passage having atab operatively connected to a male-engaging member, and wherein themale connector comprises: a female-engaging member configured to be slidinto the longitudinal passage and retained in a connected state; and arecessed area configured to receive and retain the male-engaging memberin the connected state, wherein the tab is configured to be manipulatedto disengage the male engaging member from the recessed area in order todisconnect the male connector from the female connector.
 3. The lockingconnector assembly of claim 2, wherein the male-engaging member furthercomprises lateral walls and the female-engaging member comprises insertmembers separated by the recessed area, wherein the lateral walls areconfigured to be securely retained between the insert members in theconnected state.
 4. The locking connector assembly of claim 3, whereinthe male engaging member further comprises a protuberance and thefemale-engaging member further comprises a reciprocal ridge, wherein theprotuberance securely abuts into the reciprocal ridge in the connectedstate.
 5. The locking connector assembly of claim 3, wherein each of theinsert members comprises a D-shaped axial cross-section, and wherein thelongitudinal passage comprises a reciprocal axial cross-section thatconforms to the D-shaped axial cross-section.
 6. The locking connectorassembly of claim 1, wherein one or both of the male and femaleconnectors comprises a web-retaining plate comprising at least onechannel configured to receive and retain a web member.
 7. The lockingconnector assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one channel issurrounded by a raised rim that provides structural support around theat least one channel.
 8. The locking connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the female connector comprises one or more strengthening ribs.9. The locking connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the tab furthercomprises an overstop protuberance configured to abut into a portion ofthe female connector to limit movement of the tab.
 10. The lockingconnector assembly of claim 2, wherein one of the male or femaleconnectors comprises securing portions and the other of the male orfemale connectors comprises undercut portions, and wherein the securingportions are configured to securely mate into the undercut portions inthe connected state.
 11. The locking connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the female connector defining a longitudinal passage; andwherein the male connector comprises: a female-engaging memberconfigured to be slidably retained within the longitudinal passage,wherein the male connector includes lead-in noses at the first andsecond male ends, wherein each of the lead-in noses comprises arearwardly-directed deflectable beam configured to be manipulated todisconnect the male connector from the female connector.
 12. The lockingconnector assembly of claim 11, wherein the rearwardly-directeddeflectable beam comprises a distal end that abuts an internal edge ofthe female connector when the male connector is connected to the femaleconnector.
 13. The locking connector assembly of claim 12, wherein thedistal end is configured to be urged in a direction that allows therearwardly-directed deflectable beam to be slid into the longitudinalpassage.
 14. A locking connector assembly configured to securely connecta first component to a second component, the locking connector assemblycomprising: a first connection member having a first housing; a secondconnection member having a second housing; and a securing memberconfigured to slidably pass into at least one of the first and secondconnection members, wherein the securing member is configured tosecurely connect the first connection member to the second connectionmember in a connected state, wherein the securing member comprises atleast one end configured to be manipulated in order to disconnect thefirst connection member from the second connection member.
 15. Thelocking connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the securing member isseparate and distinct from the first and second connection members, andwherein the securing member comprises at least one end having at leastone securing post separated from at least one stabilizing post, whereinat least one barb extends from the at least one securing post, andwherein the at least one stabilizing post and the at least one securingpost are configured to be squeezed together in order to disconnect thefirst connection member from the second connection member.
 16. Thelocking connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the securing membercomprises a longitudinal beam with a central collar extending around amiddle of the longitudinal beam, and wherein a first securing post and afirst stabilizing post extend from a first end of the longitudinal beam,and wherein a second securing post and a second stabilizing post extendfrom a second end of the longitudinal beam.
 17. The locking connectorassembly of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second housingscomprises an inner opening connected to an outer reduced-diameteropening by a longitudinal passage.
 18. The locking connector assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the securing member is integrally formed with thesecond connection member.
 19. The locking connector assembly of claim18, wherein the securing member comprises a base connected to a planarbeam longitudinally extending from the second housing, wherein theplanar beam connects to a securing prong configured to securely connectthe first connection member to the second connection member, and whereinthe planar beam is deflectable in order to allow the first connectionmember to be disconnected from the second connection member.
 20. Thelocking connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the base is configuredto rotate within a longitudinal passage of the first housing.